Footnotes

Launched at the London Motor Show in 1958, the Aston Martin DB4 emphatically demonstrated that a British manufacturer could better the Italians at their own game when it came to constructing the ultimate Gran Turismo. Classically proportioned and instantly recognisable from the moment of its introduction, the Touring-styled DB4 established an aesthetic that would survive, with only relatively minor revisions via the DB5 and DB6 until 1970.

Manufactured between October 1958 and June 1963, the DB4 developed through five series, the first of which had already undergone a number of improvements before the second series arrived in January 1960, a front-hinged bonnet, bigger brake callipers and an enlarged sump being the major changes made.

This rare left-hand drive Series 2 DB4 was delivered new to the USA via the Aston Martin importer J S Inskip and first owned by one Howard C Smith of Oyster Bay, Long Island. The accompanying copy guarantee form reveals that the car was originally finished in Snow Shadow Grey with red Connolly leather trim, and that it left the factory equipped with a rear demister; spark plug holder; driver's side wing mirror; Marchal Equilux headlamps; and fitted suitcases in ivory Luxan hide. At some stage the original engine '440' was replaced with '256'.

'467/L' was previously offered by Bonhams at their Paris February 2008 auction. The description particulars stated that the DB4 remained in the Smith family until it was sold to a German company in 1998; that it was restored in Germany that same year, and next changed hands in 2001 following its owner's bankruptcy. While in the new owner's hands the DB4 took part in the Rallye de Monte Carlo Historique (2004 and 2006) and finished 3rd in the Rallye de Paris in 2005. At the time of the 2008 auction, the car came with a history file containing numerous invoices for works carried out, but paperwork for this history is no longer available. The car is offered with a Swedish I.D. form; a copy of the workshop manual; a jack and its spare wheel. 

The car has been on static display upon acquisition in 2008 and will naturally require restorative work in order to be returned to the road. A recent visual inspection reveals the car retains its original chassis stamping on the front cross member although a non-original German issued chassis plate is affixed in the engine bay. The engine bears the correct stamping '370/256'. Some corrosion was noted on the underside of the car and the aluminium body is naturally less affected although some some bubbling of paint is evident. Some other paint cracks and other cosmetic blemishes were noted, including a small dent to one door. Panel fit is generally good although the doors would benefit from some adjustment. The engine bay also shows some surface corrosion and - as the car has stood for over 10 years - no attempt has been made to start the engine. The interior shows a patina of age but appears serviceable. 

The DB4 Series 2 is widely regarded as the most aesthetically pleasing of the five series with the elegant 'cathedral' rear lights and the larger more purposeful bonnet scoop - and all on the shorter wheelbase. With restored examples commanding significantly higher values, DB4/467/L - offered here at no reserve - provides ample scope and budget to be returned to the road.